How to Use Vape Kits | Complete Guide by Ninja Vapes

July 3, 2026

Learn how to use vape kits the easy way. Ninja Vapes walks you through charging, filling, coil care, and vaping tips for beginners and pros alike.

How to Use Vape Kits: Complete Guide by Ninja Vapes

Hey there! Whether you've just picked up your very first vape kit or you're switching over from smoking and feeling a little lost with all the buttons, coils, and settings - we've got you. At Ninja Vapes, we talk to new vapers every single day, and honestly, most of the confusion clears up in about five minutes once someone walks you through it properly.

So that's what we're doing here. No jargon-heavy manuals, no assuming you already know what a "sub-ohm" is. Just a real, honest, step-by-step guide - the same way we'd explain it if you walked into our store and asked.

Let's get you vaping like a pro.

First Things First: What's Actually in the Box?

Before we hit a button, let's find out what you've got in your hand! A basic set of vape kit whether it's just a pod kit or a more advanced kits, will consist of the following key components:

The battery/mod - this is the body of your device, and it powers everything
The tank or pod - this holds your e-liquid
The coil - the small part inside the tank that heats up and turns liquid into vapor
A charging cable - usually USB-C or micro-USB
E-liquid - sometimes included, sometimes not, depending on the kit

If any of these are missing from your box, don't panic - some starter kits sell the device and liquid separately. Just double check your order or give us a shout and we'll sort you out.

Step 1: Charge It Up

We know, we know - you want to use it right now. But trust us on this one: charge your device fully before your first use. Most kits take about 1-2 hours for a full charge, and the light on your device (usually near the charging port) will tell you when it's done - typically it stops blinking or turns green.

Ninja tip: Always use the cable that came with your kit, or a good quality replacement. Cheap cables can charge unevenly and mess with your battery over time.

Step 2: Fill Your Tank or Insert Your Pod

This is where kits differ a bit, so let's break both down.

If you have a pod kit (like most beginner-friendly devices):

Remove the pod from the device - it usually pops or slides out.
Find the fill port (a small rubber plug on the side or bottom of the pod).
Fill slowly with your chosen e-liquid, avoiding the centre tube if there is one - that's the airflow channel, and liquid doesn't belong there.
Pop the plug back in and let the pod sit for 5-10 minutes before using it. This lets the coil "wick" properly, which just means the cotton inside soaks up the liquid.

If you have a tank-style kit:

Twist or slide open the top of the tank.
Fill down the side of the glass, again avoiding the centre airflow tube.
Close it back up and give it a few minutes to settle before firing.

Why the wait matters: If you fire your device before the coil has soaked up enough liquid, you can get what we call a "dry hit" - a harsh, burnt taste that nobody enjoys. Patience now saves your taste buds later.

Step 3: Turn It On

Most devices turn on with 5 quick clicks of the fire button. You'll usually see a light flash or a screen switch on to confirm it's ready.

If your kit is a draw-activated device (no buttons at all), there's nothing to switch on - you just inhale, and it fires automatically. These are great for folks who want something dead simple.

Step 4: Take Your First Puff

Here's where technique actually matters, and it's the number one thing new vapers get wrong.

There are two main ways people inhale:

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): You draw the vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs - just like drawing on a straw, then breathing it in. This is closer to a cigarette motion and is what most pod kits are designed for.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL): You inhale straight into your lungs in one smooth motion, like a deep breath. This is more common with higher-powered tank kits and produces bigger clouds.

If you're not sure which your kit is designed for - check the airflow. Tighter, restricted airflow usually means MTL. Wide open airflow usually means DTL.

Ninja tip: If you're coming from smoking, start with MTL. It'll feel far more familiar and you'll get the hang of it in no time.

Step 5: Adjust Your Settings (If Your Kit Has Them)

Generally the beginner type pod kit is plug and play without any settings. However if you have a more advanced kit, you may have a screen displaying wattage, and perhaps airflow control too.

Wattage has an impact on the amount of vapour and flavour they produce. The less wattage = the more flavour and smoother it is. The higher the wattage, the larger the clouds, the hotter the vapour.

It is important to note that there is a small opening or lever (airflow control) on the tank which allows you to open or close the valve to mix air with your vapor. Tight airflow is more similar to a cigarette draw and open airflow is lighter and airier in feeling.

A "start low and go" approach is always recommended. There's always more power that can be added, there can never be a yen that gets tested in bad place.

Coil Care: The Part Everyone Forgets

Your coil is at the very center of your flavour and vapour creation, and they have a finite lifespan. The coils can last for 1-3 weeks, depending on your e-liquid (the sweeter and thicker the liquid, the more quickly it will destroy the coil) and how frequently you use your e-cigarette.

Signs it's time for a new coil:

A burnt or muted taste
Gurgling sounds
Less vapor than usual
Leaking

Swapping a coil is simple: unscrew the old one, screw or click in the new one, refill, and let it sit for a few minutes before use - same as when you first filled your tank.

A Few Everyday Habits That'll Save You Headaches

Don't let your tank run dry. Vaping on an empty or near-empty tank is the fastest way to burn out a coil.
Store your device upright when not in use, especially pod kits - it helps prevent leaking.
Keep it away from extreme heat or direct sunlight, especially in summer. Batteries don't love that.
Clean your connections every so often with a dry cloth or cotton swab - a little residue build-up can affect your hit.

Common Beginner Questions We Hear All the Time

Why does my vape taste burnt?

Usually a coil that's either brand new and hasn't soaked long enough, or one that's simply worn out and needs replacing.

Why is my device leaking?

Often it's overfilling, filling too fast, or a coil that's coming loose. Double-check everything's screwed in snugly.

How do I know my battery's low?

Most devices will flash a certain number of times or show a low-battery icon on the screen. When in doubt, just charge it - it won't hurt to top up.

Can I use any e-liquid in any kit?

Not always. Pod kits generally work best with nic salt e-liquids, while sub-ohm tanks are built for regular "freebase e-liquids". If you're unsure what your kit takes, that's exactly what we're here for.

We have Got Your Back

Vaping may sound complex and if you're ever unsure - whether it's a funky flavor, a leak you cannot seem to fix, or you're just not sure which coil to pick up next - ask us. So that's what we're here for, right? We'd prefer for you to ask a 'silly' question, rather than make a stab on your own!

Got questions about your specific kit? Drop us a message - we're always happy to help, no matter how new you are to this.